Who’s the funniest in local sports? Vancouver TheatreSports League has tapped soccer legend Bob Lenarduzzi (above), who helped the Vancouver Whitecaps win the North American Soccer League championship in 1979, and is now president and CEO of the team. He joins actor Jackson Davies (The Beachcombers) and TheatreSports veterans for plenty of witty repartee at this annual fundraiser, where, as always, the brewskis flow freely.

Sept. 12, 7 p.m. | Improv Centre

Tickets: $40 at vtsl.com/laughsontap

Swarm

Check out Vancouver’s constantly evolving indie gallery scene during this annual two-night gallery hop, which features exhibition openings, performances, and other special events. At Chinatown’s Gam Gallery, for example, Vancouver artist Lauren Zbarsky launches her exhibition of photographs of friends in her bed, in all their rumpled abstraction (buried) and intimate coziness (uncovered). This year, 36 artist-run centres and non-profit commercial art spaces can be explored during Swarm.

Sept. 12-13, 6 p.m. | Various venues

Tickets and info: Free. More info at paarc.ca/swarm14

Blouse

The Portland-based trio’s wavy dream-pop debut scored high marks with music bloggers. With their second album Imperium, the group unplugs the electronica kit and creates lush mystery with guitars, cellos and other live instruments.

Sept. 18, 8 p.m. | Media Club

Tickets: $12.50 at livenation.com

Modern Home Tour

Vancouver is renowned for its mid-century modernist architecture, but that movement inspired future architects to take the kind of risks that inform some of the newest homes in Vancouver. This self-guided tour allows anyone who loves architecture and interior design to snoop inside seven stunningly futuristic homes, by such architects as OneSeed and FNDA Architecture.

Sept. 14 | Various Venues

Tickets: $40/$30 at vancouver.modernhometours.com/tour-info

Vancouver Fashion Week

You’ve just pulled together your fall wardrobe. So now it’s time to check out summer’s new styles. The biannual Vancouver Fashion Week showcases emerging and established, local and international designers presenting next summer’s hottest looks, including Vancouver-based musician Dandilion Wind Opaine’s forest-inspired outfits. Dress to the nines for Monday’s opening gala, featuring music, food and a sneak preview of the collections.

Sept. 16-21 | Chinese Cultural Centre

Tickets and info: vanfashionweek.com

Music Therapy Ride

Music is as powerful as any medicine, says Oliver Sacks, and that’s the philosophy that inspires this popular motorcycle fundraiser for Vancouver’s music therapy movement. Established by members of the music industry in 2002, it attracts record company reps, promoters and booking agents. This year’s celebrity guest is Dan Mangan, who eloquently remarks: “Language often falls short in the complicated nature of existing. Thankfully, the wonderful gift of music helps us not only make peace with the chaos, but to explore our emotional frameworks and facilitate healthy discovery. I’m proud to support this year’s Music Therapy Ride.”

Sept. 14 | Vancouver to Whistler

Info: musictherapyride.org

Scotiabank Dance CentreOpen House

Explore a world of dance, from ballet and bhangra to contemporary and flamenco, in a single afternoon of open classes and mini-performances, culminating in an evening showcase by tap virtuoso Danny Nielsen. Participating companies include Kinesis Dance, Karen Flamenco, Mascall Dance, Raven Spirit Dance, 605 Collective and others.

Vancouver’s trendiest street throws a block party to celebrate sustainability and community, with highlights including a Blim fashion show, sausage barbecue contest, interactive displays, and three stages featuring local talent.

Sept. 15, 1-6 p.m. | Main between Broadway and 7th (including the laneway west of Main)

Info: mainstreetbia.com

Southlands Country Fair

Leave the video games behind and have fun the old-fangled way with hay rides, pony rides, three-legged races and other games throughout the day. The charming annual event also features a bake sale, craft market, horse shows and live music.

Sept. 15, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Southlands Riding Club

Info: southlandsridingclub.com

Jazzing Up Carnegie

For jazz fans, a thrilling evening featuring some of Vancouver’s most accomplished players. Hugh Fraser (above), Paul Plimley Kedrick James, Tony Wilson and others join the 17-piece Carnegie Jazz Band, led by trombonist Brad Muirhead. Proceeds from the event, which also features a reception, support renovations of the busy community space, where free entertainment and programs are offered daily.

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